KPN selects Alcatel-Lucent as lead network integrator

DQC News Bureau

Mumbai : Dutch telecom operator KPN has selected Alcatel-Lucent as lead
network integrator to design, deliver, install, integrate and maintain an
end-to-end multi-vendor IP Centrex solution. The Advanced Hosted VoIP solution
is part of KPN's All-IP strategy, which aims at building a next generation
network based on IP technology. The network enables KPN to offer hosted
communication services for the small and medium enterprise (SME) market and to
deliver a wide variety of new communication services to both consumers and
businesses.

The IP Centrex solution Alcatel-Lucent will deploy, is a multi-vendor
application and includes products from Broadsoft, Atreus and Comptel. Alcatel-Lucent
will integrate these products on the IMS Core it is currently deploying at KPN.
In addition, Alcatel-Lucent will provide design services, network integration,
project management and installation and testing services. Alcatel-Lucent was
selected after it and KPN concluded a successful pilot.

With the new solution KPN will introduce hosted Voice over IP and virtual PBX
offerings to the SME and SOHO market. IP Centrex offers a low cost solution to
businesses that need to replace their end-of-life PBX systems. In addition it
offers IP-based applications to these customers and especially those wanting to
migrate from their existing ISDN based network to a fully IP based environment.

"Offering new IP-based services to our customers is key in KPN's
strategy for the future. Our new All-IP network integration services, will
enable us to deliver on this strategy," said Louis Rustenhoven, VP Voice of
KPN. "This new project specifically aims at small and medium businesses and
the SOHO market that want to switch from traditional PBX telephony to advanced
hosted IP communications," he added.

"With this contract Alcatel-Lucent underlines its capabilities in
multi-vendor deployments and network integration," said Christian Reinaudo,
President of Alcatel-Lucent's Europe and North activities. "KPN is proud to
be able to contribute to this transition, which enables KPN to deliver a wide
variety of new compelling services to businesses and consumers."